LEADONITES under 12s got their season under way at Gloucestershire College in the Glozball CVL.

With six of the squad of 10 making their club debut and five playing in their first basketball matches, it was a big day for the Ledbury youngsters.

After big losses to Gloucester Saxons and Worcester Wolves, the under 12s recorded their first victory 16-6 over Bristol Flyers girls.

Their final match was a 16-12 defeat to Stroud Sharks after trailing 6-0 following the first six minutes.

After wholesale substitutions, baskets from Alex Gurney-Long and Henry Flanagan reduced the deficit to two before Stroud reasserted their superiority for a 10-4 half-time lead.

Sharks extended the lead early in the second period before Fraser Renfrew-Clarke pulled the score back to 12-6 in the fourth minute.

But with tougher defence from both sides Sharks effectively won the match with two baskets at the start of the final minute.

Leadonites embarked on an unlikely comeback with three scores in the last 30 seconds with Renfrew-Clarke's two short-range jump shots and a long-range two-pointer from Thomas Rudge.

Leadonites are recruiting from years three to six and the parents of any interested players can contact the head coach or membership secretary via the club's various social media sites. No experience is required, just enthusiasm.